4 Ways Men Can Stay Healthy

Lemon water

Men are notoriously known to ignore health symptoms and avoid going to the doctor. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are half as likely as women to see a doctor over a two-year period. Taking care of your health is important and it’s never too late to start cultivating healthy habits. Here are four ways men can stay healthy.

1. Eat a healthy balanced diet.

Foods that are heavily processed are full of unhealthy amounts of salt, sugar, fats, artificial additives, etc. Too much of these can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. One can make changes to his diet by eating a wide variety of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods such as beans and leafy greens, whole-grain products, lean cuts of meat such as skinless chicken breast and ground beef, and fish.

2. Get active.

In the US, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men. Engaging in regular exercise is one way men can prevent heart disease and also improve and maintain their overall physical health. Men should try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, running, swimming, etc.

3. Visit your doctor for a routine screening.

Seeing your doctor on a regular basis can help detect any potentially life-threatening diseases/health conditions early. Routine screenings for men can include tests for conditions such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, high blood pressure, etc.

4. Get enough sleep.

A survey in 2012 showed that nearly a third (29.2%) of men received less than 6 hours of sleep on average each night. Poor sleep can negatively impact one’s health by putting them at a higher risk of having depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Some ways to develop better sleeping habits include getting regular exercise, limiting screen time before bed, and increasing your exposure to sunlight.

Many of the health concerns/conditions for men are preventable, and being able to detect these things early is important. It’s never too late to start incorporating these tips into your daily routine so that you can begin to live a healthier and happier life.